Abstract: A system for enabling the insertion and removal of an embolic protection device, for capturing and retaining embolic debris which may be created during the performance of a therapeutic interventional procedure in a stenosed or occluded region of a blood vessel. The system, in an embodiment thereof, enables the device to be snap-fitted so as to engage the distal end of a guide wire, to be pre-formed for expansion thereof so as to seal off the inner surface of a blood vessel, to inhibit the forming of a gap therein, for inhibiting embolic material from passing therethrough, and to be foreshortened to enable insertion thereof through confined spaces. The system, in another embodiment thereof, enables expandable material to be formed into an expandable configuration of an embolic protection device for capturing embolic material, which is capable of sealing off the inner surface of the blood vessel.